A POSTBOX will be painted gold in Bedworth next week in honour of Olympics hero Nick Skelton.

Royal Mail has relented following a local outcry and a personal request from the winning showjumper, who was born in the town 54 years ago.

Nick was granted a gold postbox in Alcester, near where he now lives, the day after he led the Great Britain team to glory. But a Facebook campaign was launched, with more than 800 supporters calling for Royal Mail to do the same in Bedworth, where Nick rode his first pony and where his family ran a chemist’s business, which still bears the Skelton name.

In a statement Royal Mail spokeswoman Val Bodden said: “We picked Alcester as this is the home town where Nick lives and has his stables and we think it made an excellent location to celebrate his magnificent Olympic win.

“However, after speaking with Nick, we have agreed to also paint gold the postbox near the Civic Hall in Bedworth, where he was born. We’re delighted to do this - Nick is a famous son of Bedworth.”

Nuneaton and Bedworth mayor John Haynes greeted the news with delight. “I am absolutely over the moon.

“Everyone in Bedworth is proud of Nick’s success and this is great for the town.”

Lynda Burton, secretary of the Bedworth Society, said: “Nick featured in our exhibition to celebrate all the Olympians from the town and it was fantastic to see him win gold.

“We felt we had been cheated in a way by not getting a gold post box for Nick, especially when Royal Mail chose Alcester instead. However I am delighted this has now been put right.”

Mary Bedson, who has been the showjumper’s assistant for 22 years, said: “Nick was concerned that people may have thought that Alcester was his choice for a gold post box but he was never consulted by Royal Mail.

“He has always been a huge supporter of Bedworth.

“In fact, this will be his third one - because one of our members of staff has also put gold paint on Nick’s own private post box, which stands outside his farm.”